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== Transformers ==
 
  
'''How do I make a transformer in LTspice'''?
 
 
Although it is very possible to make to make a dedicated subcircuit for a specific transformer, the preferred method of making a generic transformer when drafting a simulation schematic is to simply place a separate inductor for each separate transformer winding and then couple them all together magnetically via a single ''[[Mutual Inductance]] (K) statement'' placed as a [[SPICE Directive]] on the schematic.  Note that inductors called out in a [[Mutual Inductance]] statement will be automatically given a phasing dot if one does not already exist.
 
 
K1 L1 L2 L3 1 ; adding this SPICE directive will cause phasing dots to automatically appear on L1-L3 schematic symbols.
 
 
When creating a new transformer this way, especially for use in a switched mode power circuit, it is generally best to first specify the mutual coupling coefficient to be exactly 1.  By starting with 100 percent coupling there will be no leakage inductance in any winding and this will minimize the likelihood of the windings ringing at extremely high frequencies (which can slow the simulation to a crawl at each switching edge).  However, be aware that a mutual inductance value of plus (or minus) unity ''may'' lead to simulation difficulties if ''Skip the initial operating point solution (UIC)'' is specified for the .tran command (specifying a realistic resistance for each inductor "winding" - ctrl-right-mouse-click - will minimize this tendency).
 
 
Note that when coupled inductors are used as transformer windings, individual winding inductances rather than turns ratios must be specified (inductance ratios should be proportional to the '''''square''''' of the turns ratios). 
 
 
 
'''If I want to model leakage inductance, how should I do that?'''
 
 
The most flexible method is to keep the windings' mutual inductance statement at unity and add a small discrete leakage inductance in series with each winding.  This is the most straightforward way to model transformers with asymmetrical leakage inductances, however, if your transformer is electrically symmetrical, it may be more convenient to simply set the mutual inductance to a value less than one.  For each winding the resulting leakage inductance will be (1-K) times that winding's inductance.  Note that each winding's coupled inductance will decrease to K times that winding's inductance, but for typical values of K (>>0.9) this effect will be very small.
 
 
 
'''Okay, now how about transformer saturation effects?  Can LTspice model that?'''
 
 
Yes, LTspice comes with a non-linear hysteretic core model built in!  This is the 1991 model by John Chan et al.  Compared to older core models, the Chan model is particularly robust, computationally efficient and compact, requiring only three parameters to define most any commonly encountered magnetic hysteresis loop. 
 
 
Once the core material's generic magnetic properties are set, establishing the circuit level non-linear inductance requires three more parameters to set the geometry of the specific core and one additional parameter to set the core winding turn count.  The Chan inductor does not directly support Mutual Inductance, so unless only a single winding inductor is required, multiple windings must be added on via additional circuitry.
 

Latest revision as of 04:59, 16 August 2009